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As we in the United States of America prepare for a weekend to celebrate the declaration of our country’s Independence in 1776, I share this prayer with those, like myself, who are forever indebted to those who have served our country in defense of our freedom and the freedom of others around the globe.

A Prisoners Prayer

Oh God, my creator and protector, I know though art near me, so I adore theee body and soul with complete submission to thy will.

Thou hast saved me from death, which has overtaken my companions and hast permitted me to be a prisoner.  I will bear patiently and hopefully for the love of thee, all the difficulties of my state.

Bless my companions here.  Grant us to live peace, comforting and consoling one another with fraternal love and charity.  Bless my family who are far away, my friends, and all I love; my country and comrades in arms.

Give me peace and protect me from offending thee.  My God, I thank thee for all thy blessings and I will try and serve thee as St. Paul has told us, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, instant in prayer.”

Amen.

- from the personal diary of POW Robert W. Cohan, dated between 28 Dec 1944 and 13 May 1945.

Friends-
The time has come to try something new, so I’m asking for your assistance. I’m putting up for grabs a CASH PRIZE for someone to design a new logo for CookseyConnects!

Here are some of the parameters for you to consider:
* Using the element of a carabiner, or other clever connecting device
* Something using the words: Cooksey Connects
* Keep in mind the various directions my firm provides services, including: Keynote Speeches, Event Emcee, Corporate Training, Personal Coaching
* Logo should also be easily convertible to Black & White version so it can be placed on promotional items, etc…

In addition to a $100 cash prize, the winning firm will also receive an exclusive posting on the CookseyConnects blog, an agreement to help promote your design company/services (Hey, if you’re not a design firm, I can just say cool things about you as I travel around the country), and other swag I’m working hard to gather (some of which will sport your fancy, winning logo).

I’m starting with YOU, Connectors! Let me see what you’ve got!

CONTEST DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2010 at 11:59 PM. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO SCOTT@COOKSEYCONNECTS.COM

It’s been said that some of the best friends we have in life are those with whom we experienced college.

It’s amazing to me how many divergent roads so many of my friends have taken since our days at Oklahoma State University.  For the most part, we’ve done pretty well.  We are the camp counselors, teachers, fire protection professionals, community leaders, bankers, attorneys, builders, architects, dentists ….basically, the “grown ups” we were studying to become during our collegiate years.  Of course, some of my friends have taken other paths.

One is currently circumnavigating the globe with a backpack of his possessions to share his faith…a far cry from the banking job where we first met just after college.

Another group of friends all wound up working for a technology company that went public during the dot-com craze, most of whom have continued on with other software firms in search of the next big thing…while another simply said “I’m going to take some time off”.

Last month in Los Angeles, somewhere off  Wilshire Boulevard near Koreatown, I found myself sharing some laughs, swapping stories and enjoying some amazing mexican pork goodness by the light of Tacos Juanita’s…a trailer quietly parked on the side of the road.  I was sitting with one of the most colorful characters of my residence hall floor, Dave…or to the fans of last fall’s “Survivor: Samoa“, Danger Dave!

I can’t remember a day of college where something hilarious didn’t fly out of Dave’s mouth, usually as he blasted past you on his red mountain bike (often while defiantly riding straight through the dormitory lobby and onto the elevator).  Here’s a guy who truly has decided to live his life (quite happily) doing what HE wants to do. Dave…I applaud you!

The next time you’re out of town on a business trip, or otherwise find yourself somewhere you usually aren’t…pick up the phone (you know…that texting maching attached to your hand can also place phone calls), send an email, reach out to an old friend.  Most likely, they will be glad to hear from you.  Best of all, there is no telling what they have been up to.